UGANDA GORILLA TREK & WILDLIFE SAFARI

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and then transfer to the hotel for overnight. Uganda, uniquely known as “the Pearl of Africa” is a nation of stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains and rich biodiversity.

Meals included: Dinner

After breakfast, your adventure in Uganda begins by driving northwest towards Masindi and
Murchison Falls National Park, which offers beautiful sceneries of grassland acacia savannah in
the north and tropical forests in the south. You will stop for a nature walk with the rhinos at
the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the breeding project that saw the rebirth of the endangered white
rhinos in Uganda. You can see them closely while walking freely in the reserve which is their
natural habitat. You will then have Lunch at a local restaurant. You will get to taste one of the
delicious traditional cuisines here; these include; steamed matooke (bananas), Kalo (a type of
millet bread), Psoho, chapatti and so much more. Later, Proceed to the national park. Check in to
your lodge for dinner and overnight.

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today, set out on a game drive along the northern banks of the Nile in the heart of Murchison
Falls National Park. You may see giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions, and
antelopes. This afternoon, embark on a boat cruise to the base of the falls, watching for hippos,
crocodiles, elephants, and birds on the river’s banks.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast at the lodge, we'll track Chimpanzees along the network of forest trails. Seeing habituated chimps squabbling and swinging from the trees is an exhilarating
experience. Later in the day, we'll have the opportunity to visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary; rich in bird species, vegetation, and wildlife. This is also a great opportunity to support
local tourism initiatives that benefit social and economic development in the area.

We're then off on a cultural village walk. We'll visit a traditional
healer who will share knowledge about local herbs, plants, and medicines. You'll have a chance to visit local homes where you will be told interesting stories about birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans and their traditional life. Learn more about the history and challenges faced by
this developing community of rural Uganda. Time permitting, you will have a chance to experience the Ugandan school system and visit a local church and Bigodi’s trading center (a hub of rural life and activity).

Later, we'll drive to our lodging located within Queen Elizabeth National Park for the night. 

Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, after breakfast, we'll take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, followed by a game drive. This water system has the highest concentration of Hippos in the world. See also crocodiles, buffalos, and other game that drink from the channel, as well as the abundant bird-life that the channel supports. 

We'll then journey into the western mountains, before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National
Park and our gorilla-trekking base in the rainforest. The park, whose name references the dense
forests it encompasses, is home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Though
best known for its outstanding gorilla trekking, it also provides refuge to chimpanzees, monkeys,
elephants, and various small antelope. Bwindi is also a top Uganda birding destination, with 23 of
Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemics, including threatened species such as African green broadbill and Shelley's crimson wing.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning we'll enter the rain tropical forest of Bwindi for the gorilla safari. In groups of a maximum of 8 people, we'll follow ranger guides as we search for the habituated family of mountain gorillas (permits required). Bwindi forest in Uganda has a population of about 420 gorillas, which is half the world's
population. The amount of time it will take to encounter the gorillas is unpredictable. Once we find them, we'll have one hour to spend with them. We'll ensure you have a packed lunch and water, and recommend the support of available porters.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we're off on a Batwa (pygmies) cultural experience. You will learn of their ways of living. Then head to Lake Bunyonyi for overnight. Lake Bunyonyi (“Place of Many Little Birds”) is the perfect place to stop for a break. The serene lake is rumored to be the deepest in Africa, reaching depths of 900 meters. The lake stretches around 25 km in length and 7 meters
wide, with 29 islands scattered throughout. Although it can be very tempting to just sit by the
water and soak up the sun, there are many different activities available for one to engage in.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, We'll enjoy a canoe boat ride on the lake, where we'll visit some of the different islands (including one where pregnant girls /women were taken as an
isolating place for having gotten pregnant before marriage).
The adventure continues as you spend one night at Lake Mburo National Park.

The 371 sq km park is an extension of the Tanzanian Plains and has distinctly different fauna compared to other Ugandan parks. It is the best place in the country to see Eland Antelope, Zebra, Topi, Impala, and Acacia. The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. After a game drive, we'll return to the lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning you will have breakfast and engage in some traditional activities unique to
people in this area like cow milking. You can go for an optional walking safari. You will
then proceed to Entebbe having lunch en route. You will stop at the Equator-where you will
be able to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously arriving in Entebbe just in time for your outbound flight

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch 

COST: $3,300 per person for double occupancy. Please note this DOES NOT include the required Gorilla trekking permit ($800) and the Chimpanzee trekking permit ($250). 

Single occupancy upgrade: $500

DEPOSIT: A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot, plus the Gorilla ($800) and Chimpanzee ($250) trekking fees totaling $1,050. 

FINAL PAYMENT: Final Payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Deposits and trekking permit fees are non-refundable. Cancellations made after the final payment are nonrefundable.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Guests of International Yoga Travel are required to have travel insurance covering all dates of travel, meeting the minimum levels listed below, and covering:

• Trip Interruption: Cost of the trip (including air)
• Trip Delay: $150/day, $750 total per person
• Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: $100,000 per person
• Medical Expense: $25,000 per person

It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit, to take advantage of any pre-existing conditions waivers and the option to upgrade your insurance to a “Cancel For Any Reason” policy.  International Yoga Travel can assist you in purchasing travel insurance, or you can purchase your own here. While International Yoga Travel has their preferred travel insurance providers they have been working with for years, you are welcome to purchase travel insurance through whichever insurance company you prefer.

VACCINES
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Uganda. Travelers are advised to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival in the country. Vaccination is also recommended by the CDC and WHO to protect travelers from the virus.

ENTRY VISA
An entry visa is required, which can be obtained online prior to arrival. The cost is about $50 USD. You can apply for that here.  

PLEASE NOTE:
To enter Uganda, your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return to the U.S.  If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be denied entry into Uganda.

Here's a recommended packing list for Bali:

• Sun hat
• sunscreen
• Bug spray
• lightweight safari clothing
• a lightweight shawl or sweater for cool evenings
• waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
• lightweight waterproof bag or backpack for day use
• a power adaptor
• lightweight raincoat
• toiletries
• any necessary medications

*An updated packing list will be provided as we get closer to the trip.

When you are ready to book your flights, check with me on accurate arrival and departure dates. It is recommended that you arrive a day early to provide a buffer for any potential travel delays. *Do not purchase flights until we have confirmation that we have a minimum of 10 travelers. 

Tipping is required in Uganda, but it is appreciated for good service. 

We will provide a tipping guideline as we get closer to the trip. 

Once you get to Uganda, most things will already have been paid for in advance (lodging, safari, permits, most meals), so all you'll really need is money for tips and any shopping you might want to do (although Uganda is not a big shopping destination).

June is the beginning of Uganda's dry season, making it particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Average temperatures throughout the country hover between 61ºF and 81ºF.

You can expect comfortable 3.5-star, mid-range boutique accommodations with charm. Many times we will be staying right in the middle of the national parks, in unique glamping lodges.

This trip is for those who love to experience other cultures and have a curiosity, interest, and respect for the people they meet on their travels.

This is not a 5-star luxury trip (or needlessly expensive), but rather more of a 3.5-star boutique experience. 

This is a uniquely immersive experience you'll never forget. 

That's what I'm here for! Call 407-383-4196 or email [email protected] with all your questions, and let's get you one step closer to a trip of a lifetime!